The Soul Train Awards, which honors the best in Black music and entertainment, was recently highlighted by an electric performance by the 90s femcees Da Brat, Lil’ Kim, and Missy Elliott. The three stunning rappers performed their 1997 hit Not Tonight (Ladies’ Night Remix) to honor the memory of former TLC member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes who passed away in 2002.
The crowd sang along as RnB singer Eric Benet kicked off the performance with his rendition of Kool & the Gang’s 1979 hit, Ladies Night. Lil’ Kim burst out of the stage to deliver her striking opening verse. Left Eye’s verse was left intact and was projected on the huge screen behind the female rappers. The crowd went wild as Da Brat hit the stage and was followed by Missy Elliott, wearing a sparkling jacket who delivered the fan-favorite verse.
At the end of the performance, Elliott gave massive props to her fellow female rappers Yo-Yo, MC Lyte, the Lady of Rage and RnB group Total who all joined them to close the amazing performance. The musical number was a throwback to their performance at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards.
.@MissyElliott, @LilKim, Da Brat and Total resurrected “Ladies Night” at the #SoulTrainAwards. http://t.co/XQW3CIpqU6 pic.twitter.com/DtpLsxP83B
— The FADER (@thefader) December 1, 2014
Lastly @mclyte I can’t thank u enough u have opened so many doors for us u &YOYO I’m humbly grateful 2 b on stage with y’all
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) December 1, 2014
After the performance, Missy Elliott tweeted: “I speak 4 my sistas @Lilkim @ONLY1BRAT we truly thank y’all 4 the [love] & we truly miss LeftEye she will always be a gem!”
I want to thank @LilKim @ONLY1BRAT @mclyte @THEOFFICIALRAGE YOYO TOTAL! I GOT ALL MY SISTAS WiTME! #RIP LeftEye we miss u!
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) December 1, 2014
The event was held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas where stars like Jodeci, Chris Brown, and Aloe Blacc performed. Brown was hailed as the night’s biggest winner, taking home three awards including Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year. Pharell Williams also scored big with Happy winning Song of the Year and Video of the Year. It was also a strong night for females all over as the first lady of RnB, Beyonce took home the coveted Album of the Year award along with Best R&B/Soul Female Artist.